The early out activity for tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 20, will be mask-making from 1:15-2:15 p.m. for all Solon students. No registration is required. Elementary age students participating need to be picked up by their parent or caregiver at 2:15 p.m.
The early out movie “Rio” shown on Oct. 6 was enjoyed by 70-some students in the meeting room. The next early out movie will be “Rango” (PG) on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 1:15 p.m.

Congratulations to Judy Kral for being the September winner in the Adult Reading Program drawing. The monthly prize is provided by Friends of the Library. One entry is allowed for every book read by adults, 18 years and older. Be sure to enter your name in the drawing at the circulation desk.

JOHNSON COUNTY– A year ago, my mother fell and broke her hip. The accident was painful for her and scary for my sister and I. Luckily, it wasn’t very serious, just a tiny chip. As we waited for the diagnosis, I researched hip fractures and found falls can be the first slippery step in a downward decline.
People who fall and break bones can become dependent on others for food and doctor visits. If confined to bed or unable to get around, overall health can quickly deteriorate when someone’s seemingly small injury affects general health, mobility and independence.

IOWA CITY– Livable Communities for Successful Aging, the Johnson County initiative that’s at the forefront of advancing issues on successful aging, held a Fall Celebration on Sept. 23 in Iowa City.
From 2000 to 2030, the county is expected to more than double the number of citizens over age 55, so it’s good news that Livable Communities is leading the charge to organize and develop welcoming programs for seniors.

SOLON– Solon High School will present the acclaimed Broadway musical “My Fair Lady” Nov. 10-13 in the Solon Community School District Auditorium. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday.
This year, the program will offer reserved seating. Ticket prices are $6, $9 and $12 depending on the seat location; all levels may be reserved in advance of the show. Reserved tickets may be purchased in the high school commons on one of the following dates:
• Oct. 29: 8-10 a.m.
• Nov. 1, 3 and 8: 5-7 p.m.
• Nov. 9: 4-6 p.m.

SOLON– Students from St. Mary Catholic Church youth group will be going door-to-door in Solon on Sunday, Oct. 30, collecting canned and non-perishable goods for the needy. All proceeds will benefit the Johnson County Food Bank.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

By B. Adam Burke
Solon Economist
SOLON– If you’ve heard there’s a Serbian student at Solon High, you’ve really only heard half the story.
Levente Cipak, 16, has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Hungarian. He’s Hungarian but lives in Serbia, part of a tiny minority of Hungarians that have spilled from northern Hungary into the southeast European country of Serbia. He speaks both languages, some German, and is nearly fluent in English.
But this is not your typical teen, even a European one. Levente (pronounced Luh-vent-uh) is an entrepreneur, a journalist and a camp organizer.

Fran McCaffery enters his second season as Iowa’s head basketball coach with at least three things going for him.
1. More experience;
2. More talent;
3. More depth.
The Hawkeyes have six players that started last year, including senior guards Matt Gatens (6-5, 215) and Bryce Cartwright (6-1, 188).
Matt is one of the best free throw shooters ever to play at Iowa, and Bryce, who didn’t even start the first couple of games, led the Big Ten in assists.

I know Northwestern has only beaten Iowa three years in a row (right, Stacy?) but it seems like it’s been 30 years since Iowa has knocked off the Wildcats.
2002 was the last time the Hawks won in Iowa City over the ‘Cats so Saturday’s 41-31 victory at Kinnick Stadium was big time– sort of like getting the 900-pound gorilla off Iowa’s back.
I’ve said this before about not liking night games at Kinnick.
The good part was the crowd was electric, the card display was really cool and the Hawkeyes played great.